Anna Gunn played meth cook kingpin Walter White's wife Skyler in Breaking Bad, a role for which she - personally, not just her character - earned no small amount of scorn and bile from fans of the show. It's unfortunate, because regardless of how you felt about Skyler, you had to admit that Gunn's performance in the role was impeccable.Kevork Djansezian
/ Getty Images

Idris Elba

Actor Idris Elba first caught our eye as Russell "Stringer" Bell in The Wire. This year, he hit the big screen as former South African President Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom.

Pierre Andrieu
/ AFP/Getty Images

While often dismissed as somewhat of a pin-up when she first arrived on the scene, Mexican actress Salma Hayek has proven she's more than just another pretty face. And she's got a great sense of humour, too.Francois Mori
/ AP Photo

Benedict Cumberbatch

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch's blue eyes and high cheekbones have inspired a movement in fandom called the 'Cumberbitches,' which Urban Dictionary defines as: "Any woman who has a deep fascination with the wonderful, beautiful, talented English stage and on-screen actor Benedict Cumberbatch."

Designer and actor Waris Ahluwalia likely caught your eye in this year's "Make Love" Gap campaign, or playing alongside his friend Bill Murray in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. The Indian-born New Yorker is both versatile and stylish - designing jewelry and founding House of Waris, launching pop-up restaurants and collaborating with companies such as French ready-to-wear brand A.P.C.

Michael Loccisano
/ Getty Images

What's not to love about someone as talented as Tina Fey? As a comedian, a writer, actress and creator of a much-beloved TV series - not to mention the only person who could out-Sarah Palin Sarah Palin - she can literally do no wrong.Getty Images
/ Getty Images

Michael Fassbender

Sure German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender has admitted in interviews that he can be 'selfish' when it comes to relationships, but that won't stop us from including him in our top 10.

Jemal Countess
/ Getty Images

Australia's Cate Blanchett is known for her chameleonic ability to fit into just about any role she's been slated to play. She's always up for a challenge, and consistently rises to the occasion - even when the film itself isn't so great.Greg Wood
/ AFP/Getty Images

At just 23, Jennifer Lawrence has already distinguished herself in a succession of challenging roles (Winter's Bone, Silver Linings Playbook) and critically-hailed blockbusters (The Hunger Games movies, X-Men: First Class). She's already an Oscar-winner. And yet she still comes across as so down-to-earth. Perhaps it's all an act, but she definitely makes the list.Getty Images
/ Getty Images

Jon Hamm

Actor Jon Hamm is a charmer on-screen and off - we can't wait to see him in the final season of Mad Men next year.

Robyn Beck
/ AFP/Getty Images

We include Amy Poehler on this list for continuing to make us laugh on Parks and Recreation, as well as just about everywhere else she shows up.Alberto E. Rodriguez
/ Getty Images

Damian Lewis

We loved actor Damian Lewis in Band of Brothers, and we love him in Homeland. Watch for him on the big screen in 2015 when he stars opposite Nicole Kidman in Werner Herzog's Queen of the Desert.

Andrew Cowie
/ AFP/Getty Images

Mindy Kaling is perhaps best known as recurring character Kelly Kapoor on The Office. But she's also a talented comedic writer - and even director.Handout
/ Universal Studios

Zachary Quinto

Trekkie favourite Zachary Quinto - Spock in this year's Star Trek Into Darkness - is one to watch. Take your pick - American Horror Story and the upcoming We'll Never Have Paris, The Invitation, and The Girl Who Invented Kissing.

Chris Pizzello
/ Invision/AP

Canadian actress/director Sarah Polley achieved international acclaim this year for her documentary, Stories We Tell, which examined some painful truths about her family history.Joel Ryan
/ AP Photo

Adam Levine

It's official - singer Adam Levine is this year's Sexiest Man Alive - at least according to PEOPLE Magazine. Who wouldn't want him under the mistletoe?

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